Tips for Adopting a Rescue Pet

Thinking of getting a new pet? If you have done the research and are ready to own a pet, then consider adopting one from a shelter. You will be giving them a second chance at a happy life.

Each year thousands of pets end up in shelters as strays, victims of abuse or because their owners are unable to care for them. While shelters work tirelessly to find new homes for these animals in need, many of them remain in shelters for years.

Sadly, some animals never find their forever homes. According to ASPCA.org, Each year, approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized (670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats).

Why You Should Adopt

1. You’re Saving a Life and Supporting a Bigger Cause

With thousands of rescue pets living in animal shelters, pounds, or in foster carers’ homes, the option to adopt rather than shop for a pet seems like a no-brainer. Adopting a pet also means you’re freeing up resources for other less fortunate pets to enter rescue and have the chance to find their forever home. All pets deserve a loving and safe forever home, by adopting a pet, you’re not only saving a life but also helping break the cycle of pet homelessness in America.

2. Rescue Pets Come Microchipped, Neutered and With Full Vet Checks

All rescue pets come with full vet health checks, up-to-date vaccinations and are neutered meaning the hard work has already been done for you. As these procedures are organized by the rescue group, there is no additional cost to the flat fee involved when adopting a pet.

The recovery process for a procedure such as neutering can be lengthy and needs to be monitored, so having the surgery completed for you already means you don’t have to re-work your schedule for the recovery period.

3. You Know What You’re Getting

When you decide you’re ready to adopt a pet from a rescue group or shelter, you’ll be provided with the pet’s profile, listing each detail of their personality, age, special needs, temperament, etc.

This is great for families who have children or other pets, as the rescue group or shelter will be able to let you know if your pet will be suitable for your home and lifestyle. It’s also important to keep an open mind when adopting and consider pets you haven’t before, this will help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle and you may be surprised by who you take home.

4. Benefits of Adopting an Older Pet

Many older rescue pets get overlooked, however, we often find they are much wiser, better behaved and have been well socialized with humans and other animals.
Raising and training a puppy or kitten can be time-consuming and require a lot more work than an older pet. Younger pets are generally more energetic, so if you live a more sedentary lifestyle or don’t have time to train a young pet from scratch, an older pet would be the perfect fit.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Rescue Pet

Talk to the Staff

Most rescue shelter staff will work hard to find you your perfect match — they want you to find the right pet as much as you do. Before you go, have a list of questions you’d like to ask, and a list of your personal preferences.

How to Settle New Pets Into Your Home

Holidays can be a great time to adopt a pet because you and your family are likely to spend more time at home to help settle the pet into their new environment.

All pets need constant training – remember the aim is positive reinforcement, where we reward good behavior and ignore the bad. By doing this, you’ll ensure your new family member will have the best start to their new life in their forever home.

Don’t Rush

Never rush into a decision to get a pet – make sure that you are financially, physically and logistically able to care for them. Remember that most of the pets that end up in shelters are there because their owners failed to look at the big picture: that owning a pet is a massive long-term commitment! When you are ready, I suggest that you visit the shelters and spend time with suitable animals. Listen to advice from the shelter workers, be sensible and practical, and follow your heart.

This article originally appeared on our sister site Homes to Love